PhiladelphiaPersonal Injury Attorneys

How to Limit Your Odds of Getting into an Accident

There were 1,188 traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2016. Of those who died, 505 were killed in accidents caused by speeding while another 327 died in crashes that involved drunk driving. While those numbers may be startling, there are some ways you can avoid being another statistic.

Don't Get into a Vehicle with a Drunk Driver

One of the smartest ways to avoid getting into an accident is to not accept a ride from a drunk driver. Furthermore, you should refrain from driving after drinking or using any substance that could impair your concentration. If you are in a crash involving an impaired driver, however, a Philadelphia car accident attorney may be able to help hold that person responsible for his or her actions.

Wear Your Seat Belt

In 2015, over half of crash victims in the United States between the ages of 13 and 44 were not wearing their safety belts. Buckling up is encouraged for anyone who rides in a passenger vehicle or truck. Regardless of your age or where you're sitting in a vehicle, a seat belt can be a lifesaver.

Observe Posted Speed Limits

Observing the speed limit is another effective way to reduce the chances of getting into a car accident. Drivers should also adjust their speeds based on weather and road conditions. For instance, it's a good idea to go slower on icy roads or during times of heavy rain or snow. Drivers will also benefit from reducing their speeds during heavy fog that can make it difficult to judge where other objects are. The same is true during the dawn and dusk hours when the sun's glare can be problematic.

Keep Up with Routine Vehicle Maintenance

Whether an individual is driving a passenger vehicle or a commercial truck, it is important that the vehicle be maintained properly. Ineffective tires, poor brakes or other problems with a vehicle can make it harder to stop in a timely manner or see other people or vehicles on the road. Individuals who are hurt by someone in an insufficiently maintained vehicle could benefit by talking with an Allentown accident lawyer.

Keep Your Distance Around Large Trucks

If you see a large truck on the highway, it is important that you give it enough room to maneuver. Unlike a passenger vehicle, large trucks have trouble changing lanes or stopping quickly. They also need more room to make turns, and truck drivers have larger blind spots in which they can't see the traffic around them.

Therefore, it may be a good idea to assume that a truck driver cannot see you when you're deciding how to position your vehicle on the highway. Keeping your distance may also be a good idea during poor weather conditions as a truck can kick up a lot of spray or other debris.

Keep Distractions to a Minimum

While it may be tempting to reply to a text message or a phone call while driving, there is usually no urgent need to do so. It is important to keep in mind that there is no safe way to text or talk on the phone while driving. This is true whether or not a hands-free system is being used. It is also important to remember that cell phones are not the only distraction that drivers could face.

In some cases, the act of changing a radio station or looking back to reprimand a child can take a driver's focus off of the road. While you may not consider your thoughts a distraction, thinking about work or otherwise going on autopilot while on the road can also hurt your concentration. To make it easier to focus while driving, be sure to get plenty of rest and keep the cruise control off to force your mind to concentrate. If you like to listen to music while driving, keep the volume at a moderate level.

If you've been injured by a reckless or negligent driver, a Philadelphia accident attorney could help you preserve your rights and fight for just compensation. Our Philadelphia office is located at 2 Penn Center Suite 1204, and the phone number is (215)-567-6616. Metzger & Kleiner also has a location in Lehigh Valley that you can visit at 137 North Fifth Street Allentown, PA 18102. You can call this location by dialing (610)-435-7400.